The UAE  is a country often associated with sky-high buildings, luxurious lifestyle, and futuristic cityscapes. One least expects that the UAE also holds some majestic natural wonders and views that are awe-inspiring, to say the least. Al Suhub Rest Area is one of such destinations. This is not your regular roadside rest stop but a destination itself. Here, the mountains meet the sea. The panoramic views are insane. Whether you are a casual explorer, a nature lover, or looking to hang out with your family, this place is for you.

Where it all begins

At Al Suhub, you can view Khorfakkan, the Gulf of Oman, and the surrounding mountains at once. The name Al Suhub is also very fitting. It means clouds in Arabic. In the winters, the clouds come so close that you feel you can almost touch them. The area is built by the Sharjah government itself for the sake of promoting tourism.

Al Suhub Rest Area is situated 1900 feet high above sea level. It is just a few kilometers away from Khorfakkan, and the drive from there to up here is pretty cool and memorable. The road is windy and passes through the mountains. It is 5.6 kilometers long and very well maintained for all kinds of vehicles.

The Cloud Lounge

Getting to the top is a bit of a ride. Winding road, a few sharp turns and then suddenly you reach. The round-looking structure greets you. The way it stands, it feels that it’s almost floating above the cliffs. Simple, clean and peaceful.

Inside, it’s mostly glass. It makes the place truly unique. Wherever you sit inside, you look out at clouds, mountains, or the sea far below. The view just takes over. People don’t really talk much here and just sit to enjoy the views while sipping their drinks. 

The cafe here serves coffee, snacks, and a few proper meals. Some trendy stuff, and also things like hummus, grilled chicken, and a few Arabic-style dishes that feel more homey. It’s not about the menu, though. It’s about how calm everything feels. You lose track of time up there. You might go in for a quick coffee and end up staying until the light changes and the sky turns orange.

Inside the Al Suhub Rest Area

This isn’t just a spot made for viewing temporarily. The area has been designed to accommodate a variety of visitors. 

For families

There’s a play area for kids. It has climbing structures and shaded seating. If you’re visiting during the winter months, then bring a light jacket. The mountain breeze can get surprisingly cool.

General Visitors

There are clean and spacious prayer rooms for both men and women, multiple public restrooms, and even a multi-purpose hall for events. Parking is available. Though during weekends and public holidays, the space can get crowded.

The Walking Trail

One of the best-kept secrets here is the walking trail that connects Al Suhub Rest Area to Al Rafisah Dam. Al Rafisah Dam is another beautiful attraction in the area. It is just a 3 kilometer long track. It gives the hikers an opportunity to have a closer look at the environment. While it’s not very challenging, proper footwear is recommended

The Costs to Expect 

One of the best things about this place is that it doesn’t cost a thing to enjoy the view. You don’t need a ticket, and there’s no entrance fee. No one is even rushing you to buy anything. You can simply walk around, take photos, and sit on a bench without spending a single dirham.

Of course, if you stop by the Cloud Lounge for a coffee or meal, that’s where you’ll spend a bit. The prices are mid-range. A coffee usually costs around AED 18 to 20. If you’re going for a full meal, then expect to pay somewhere between AED 50 and 100. This depends on what you order. It’s on par with most nice cafes in the UAE, but with a much better view.

Parking is technically free, too. Especially if you eat at the cafe. They’ll usually give you about two hours of complimentary parking. But if you end up staying longer, you might be charged around AED 10 or so per extra hour. It’s not a huge fee. Just something to keep in mind.

One quick tip is to bring some cash, just in case. While card machines usually work fine, there have been a few hiccups during peak times where payments didn’t go through. Better to have a backup than get stuck trying to sort things out at the counter.

Getting Up Here

Getting to Al Suhub is honestly pretty straightforward. If you’re coming from Sharjah or Dubai, just take the highway and follow the road signs for Khorfakkan. A small right turn that’ll take you up the mountain is not very obvious. Stay alert, or you might drive right past it.

If you’re heading over from Fujairah, it’s even faster. It takes only half an hour to get here. The road going up is smooth. If you’re on a bike or motorbike, consider taking your time. It’s a steady climb but very twisty. So don’t rush it.

There’s no public bus that goes all the way up, so if you’re not driving, your best bet is to catch a taxi from downtown Khorfakkan. It’s a short ride, and you can expect to pay AED 20 to 30 for a one-day trip. Try to go right before sunset. That’s when the light hits just right and everything. The cliffs, the clouds, even the sea way down below turn gold.

One thing to watch out for

After heavy rain, the mountain road is often closed. There have been a few landslides in the past, so no chances are taken.

A View Worth the Climb

As discussed in the beginning, Al Suhub Rest Area isn’t just a rest stop, it’s a destination. It makes you breathe a little deeper. It makes you spend time not doing much at all. It’s not every day you get to stand in the clouds.